Sharks, Homeboyz look to pull clear in FKF-PL
Patrick Otieno of Kariobangi sharks celebrates after scoring against Nairobi City stars during their Football Kenya Federation Premier League match at Ruaraka grounds on December 4, 2021.
What you need to know:
- Homeboyz coach Benard Mwalala predicts a tough match against 13th placed Mathare United.
- “Playing against struggling teams is tricky because you have to prepare players mentally and physically. They come guns blazing because they want to get out from down there. We are giving the match the utmost seriousness it deserves," said coach Mwalala.
Kariobangi Sharks and Kakamega Homeboyz Wednesday have the chance to extend their leads at the top of the 2021/22 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL)table.
Sharks, who are at the summit of the log in the 18-team league with 16 points, will face 15th-placed Kenya Police at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in from 3pm.
Unbeaten Homeboyz, who have garnered the same number of points, but sit second on the log due to an inferior goal difference, host Mathare United at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega.
In the other two matches of the day, former champions Sofapaka square it out with Wazito at Wundayi Stadium in Taita Taveta County, while Nairobi City Stars face struggling Nzoia Sugar at Ruaraka grounds.
Sharks go into their clash with Police as favourites following an impressive run of three wins in a row against Mathare (6-0), Tusker (3-0) and City Stars (2-1).
Coach William Muluya’s side have been ruthless in front of goal, netting 16 goals in seven matches and conceded four.
Forwards Felix Oluoch and Erick Mmata have been their main assassins, scoring six and four goals respectively.
On the other hand, Police are yet to hit the ground running on their return to the top flight league, despite roping in experienced players, including winger Clifton Miheso, defender Musa Mohammed, striker John Mark Makwata and midfielder Duke Abuya.
Their 2-0 loss to Sofapaka last Saturday was their fifth defeat of the season. Coach John “Bobby” Ogola’s charges have only one win on their name – a 3-1 romp over struggling Nzoia in October.
Of great concern has been their shaky defence which has let in 11 goals against six that they have scored.
The poor performance sees them on a paltry four points - only three more than bottom-placed Vihiga Bullets.
“Police is a good team considering that they signed big names. We cannot underrate them because they are struggling," said Sharks captain Patilah Omotto.
"The good results we are having is as a result of the hard work both in training and on the pitch. We also have fresh blood in the team who are helping us a lot," added the midfielder.
Coach Ogola is wary of Sharks' good form.
"They (Sharks) are playing like Barcelona so we must be very careful," said the veteran tactician.
"It is not a must that you preform well immediately after buying experienced players. Football has a lot of dynamics and the stoppage of the league also affected us, but we will bounce back."
Homeboyz coach Benard Mwalala predicts a tough match against 13th placed Mathare United.
“Playing against struggling teams is tricky because you have to prepare players mentally and physically. They come guns blazing because they want to get out from down there. We are giving the match the utmost seriousness it deserves," said coach Mwalala.
Fixtures
Nairobi City Stars v Nzoia Sugar- Ruaraka Grounds 1pm
Kariobangi Sharks v Kenya Police- Kasarani 3pm
Kakamega Homeboyz v Mathare United- Bukhungu Stadium 3pm
Sofapaka v Wazito- Wundanyi Stadium 3pm
